The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong winds across the Midlands tomorrow as Storm Doris hits the UK.

Gale force winds, snow and heavy rain are set to batter the UK on Thursday (23rd February) but the focus for the Midlands is going to be very strong winds, gusting up to 60-70 mph – 70-80 on high ground.

The weather warning from the Met Office states: “Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris. Trees are also likely to be damaged or blown over.”

Roads

The RAC has warned drivers to be prepared for Thursday’s storm.

RAC Traffic Watch spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Motorists are advised to take extra care particularly in Wales, the Midlands and the north east which are expected to take the brunt of her energies. Be prepared to reduce your speed, allow plenty of room between your car and the vehicle in front and be wary of aquaplaning where water accumulates on the road.

“Be mindful that there will be strong gusts of wind, so ensure you have a good grip of the steering wheel and take extra care when overtaking high-sided vehicles and passing motorcyclists and cyclists who are susceptible to be buffeted and blown off course the wind.

“In extreme conditions it may be worth delaying your journey if possible until storm conditions pass, but it looks as though Storm Doris’s impact will be relatively brief.”

Useful RAC links: Live traffic updates |  How to drive safely in extremely windy weather – 11 top tips

Public transport

If you’re planning on travelling by bus, train or tram in and around the city tomorrow, check the Network West Midlands website before you set out for news of any disruption.

Trains

Network Rail have announced that train services will be limited to 50mph for safety reasons between London Euston, Preston and Liverpool, from Marylebone to Birmingham and across the West Midlands on Thursday due to high winds.

UPDATES on train services: London Midland | National Rail 

Fallen trees

You can report a fallen tree, or a tree or branch which looks in danger of falling, on the city’s parks or highways, on the Birmingham City Council website. 

BCC provide a 24 hour emergency response service where fallen trees present an immediate danger. Call 0121 464 8728 for help.

You can report fallen trees in the Rubery / North Worcestershire area on the Bromsgrove District Council website or call 01527 881188

Power cuts

Western Power Distribution has said it is well prepared for Storm Doris, having increased resources in call centres, control rooms and operational depots.

If you do have a power cut call Western Power Distribution on 105 (note: this number works nationally for all suppliers) or check the WPD website for info.

Remember, cordless phones won’t work during a power cut, so make sure you have a charged mobile or wired handset to hand!

Be aware, be safe

If you have to travel tomorrow, do take care.

You can let us know of any disruption on: Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp/Text 07412675105 | Email

Follow / use the hashtag #SWBrumStormWatch

Cover image: Fallen tree in Reedhill Road, West Heath. October 2016

Two small businesses in Rubery have been devastated by burglary, as they struggle to recover from a fire which tore through the building they are housed a few months ago.

Fire destroyed the main market hall of Father’s Barn Market in Rubery in October last year.

Recovery

Amy’s Floral Designs at the front of the market was the first business to reopen as the self contained shop suffered least damage. Business was affected by the short closure and the knock-on effects of the closure of the rest of the market.

The next business to reopen was M&D Mobile Solutions. Formerly a stall in the market, the mobile phone repair service relocated to a room adjacent to the florist shop.

Burglaries

However, last night (Friday 24th – Saturday 25th February) both businesses were victim to burglary, as thieves broke in through a sky light.

Items stolen from the mobile phone shop include screens, phones, laptops, money, an iPad Pro, large speakers and lots of accessories.

Over £2000 worth of Village and Goose Creek scented candles were taken from the florists, along with the contents of the cash box.

“Absolutely gutted”

Florist Amy Joynes said: “We are absolutely gutted that once again our businesses have to suffer. I have small children and my business is my livelihood.”

Anyone who is offered items for sale, or who saw anything suspicious or has any information, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101. Please quote incident number 183s of February 25.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Shenley Academy have announced a partial closure of the academy tomorrow (Monday 27th February) as travellers have failed to move off the site despite a 24 hour notice to leave served yesterday.

Parents/carers and students are advised to avoid Long Nuke Road for walking and driving to Shenley on Monday morning. Please use alternative routes.

A full letter announcing arrangements is available on the academy’s website, however the site has stopped working at the moment so we have reproduced it in full below for your information.

Update from Mrs Monk Sunday 26th February 2017

Further to my message on Friday, I am sorry to have to inform you that in spite of serving a 24 hour eviction notice on the afternoon of Saturday 25th February that the traveller community currently residing in the academy car park are not willing to abide by this notice.

We are currently working with the police and Birmingham City Council to take further legal enforcement action to remove them from the site as quickly as possible. However, this is not going to be possible before we return to school tomorrow morning.

Therefore the arrangements for Monday 27th February are as follows:

The academy will be closed to students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 all day on Monday 27th February.

Work for students in these year groups will be available on Show My Homework, and we would expect all students to log in and complete work set by their teachers.

The academy will be open to students in Years 11, 12 and 13 on Monday 27th February.

Access to the academy will be from the Shenley Lane Delivery entrance only.

Students will be supervised by members of the senior leadership team and the West Midlands Police.

Students should not aim to arrive at the academy before 0800 on Monday 27th February, and should make no attempt to access the academy site from the Long Nuke Road Entrance.

Students will not be allowed outside the school building throughout the school day — including PE lessons, break and lunchtimes.

There will be a normal canteen service in operation, but students will be required to remain in the Dining Hall.

Aberdovey Trip: Year 8 students: students expecting to go to Aberdovey on Monday 27th February should attend school at the normal time, with their equipment for the trip. Entrance to the academy will be via the Shenley Lane delivery entrance, and the coaches will be collecting students from this gate as pre-planned.Students will be supervised throughout their departure by members of the academy senior leadership team and West Midlands Police. Parents/carers are asked to drop their son/daughter at the Shenley Lane entrance and then depart, as we will be experiencing a higher than normal amount of traffic in this area.

Dismissal at the end of the school day: students will be dismissed from the Shenley Lane Delivery Entrance, and should make no attempt to exit the academy from the entrance on Long Nuke Road. Students will be supervised in the same manner at the end of the day as the beginning of the day.

Collection of students during the academy day: if you need to collect your son/daughter during the academy day on Monday 27th February e.g. a dental appointment, please use the gate on Shenley Lane. Please do not make any attempt to use the car park or school entrance in Long Nuke Road.

I recognise that this situation is detrimental to the education of our students, and it is certainly not a decision which has been taken lightly. I have been working with West Midlands Police throughout the weekend as this situation has unfolded, and I hope to be able to return the whole academy to a normal operation as quickly as possible this week.

With best wishes,

Mrs L Monk

Shenley Academy in Weoley Castle is set to fully reopen tomorrow (Tuesday 28th February) as travellers have been moved off a school car park this morning.

Families in around 20 caravans and mobile homes moved on to the school car park on Friday, after being evicted from land under development in Longbridge Town Centre by landowners St Modwen.

Bailiffs, supported by West Midlands Police, served a 24 hour notice of eviction on Saturday lunchtime, to allow the school to be back open for start of term today.

However, the travellers failed to move at the given time and the academy head, Mrs Lucy Monk, was forced to partially close the academy today. Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils were asked to remain at home while the school, supported by West Midlands Police, facilitated safe access and provision for Years 11-13.

At around 8am this morning, bailiffs served a further eviction notice from Birmingham City Council, supported by 20 specialist West Midlands Police officers alongside neighbourhood police colleagues.

Police officers closed Long Nuke Road between Woodcock Lane and Shenley Lane and, at around 10am, the first travellers began to leave. By around 11am the site was cleared (except for a few vehicles to be moved), gates closed and road reopened.

Bartley Green neighbourhood Sergeant David Cotter said: “Their behaviour is totally unacceptable and has caused huge disruption for the school, teachers and pupils, plus parents who’ve been forced to make last minute care arrangements for children unable to come to school.

“The group ignored a notice to leave, which gave them 24 hours to move on, and in the end we were left with no option but to force them to leave the school grounds.

Sgt Cotter added: “Since they arrived on Friday we’ve conducted house to house patrols, listened to people’s concerns, and reassured them we would act swiftly. I hope the community can see that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

In a notice on the school’s website, academy head Mrs Monk said: “I would like to thank our local councillors and West Midlands Police for their assistance in ensuring that the travellers left site this morning, and that the Environmental Services team were deployed so quickly in clearing the car park.”

Mrs Monk thanked parents and carers for their patience, saying: “I can only apologise for the disruption to the beginning of the new term. Whilst we were able to offer classes to students in years 11, 12 and 13 this is not an ideal situation as I know that this impacts not only on the students’ education but that it causes disruption to parents and carers returning to work today. Thank you for your patience whilst we dealt with a completely unacceptable situation.”

Since leaving Shenley Academy, the group of travellers has stopped at land awaiting development off Green Lane in Hawkesley, Kings Norton.

Click images to enlarge:

A horse abandoned at Shenley Academy in Weoley Castle by travellers is now safe in a secure sanctuary, thanks to The Sun newspaper. 

The travellers left the pony behind on Monday (26 Feb) after being evicted from the school site.

The Sun liaised with Academy staff and arranged for the pony – now named ‘Stevie’ – to be collected and moved to a specialist horse rescue centre, the location of which is secret to ensure security.

The national newspaper have also donated funds to care for the little pony, who had to have a painful tight collar removed by a vet.

For the full story and more photos, visit The Sun

Images courtesy of Snappersk 

Earlier we shared an update on ‘Stevie’, the pony abandoned by travellers at Shenley Academy. 

In a rescue arranged and funded by The Sun newspaper, Stevie was collected and taken to a safe and secure horse sanctuary.

We are told that Stevie is very happy and loving his new surroundings.

He will stay at the sanctuary indefinitely or until such a time when he could be adopted.

The horse sanctuary, which is at an undisclosed location in the Midlands, is self funded.

And Stevie has plenty of company as the sanctuary cares for retired and neglected horses around the clock.

Yesterday, Shenley Academy posted an update on their website that the pony was safe. They also thanked the local community: “Can we thank all the community for your comments and concern for the pony.  A big thank you to local resident who provided the academy with food for the pony whilst he was on our site.”

Well done to all involved!

Click to enlarge images:

A drop in session is planned for next week, where residents and community stakeholders can meet with community partners to discuss tackling issues with off-road and anti-social motorbike riding in South Birmingham.

The event will be held at Northfield Fire Station but covers all of Edgbaston, Northfield and Selly Oak constituencies.

Meet partners including police, fire service, councillors and council officers, see plans for tackling the issue of off road bikes and put your suggestions forward.

Pop in to Northfield Fire Station (entrance in car park) at any time between 6.30-9pm on Thursday 9th March 2017

**This event covers all of South West Birmingham: 

• Edgbaston constituency: Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, Quinton wards
• Northfield Constituency: Kings Norton, Longbridge, Northfield, Weoley wards
• Selly Oak Constituency: Billesley, Bournville, Brandwood, Selly Oak wards

Full event details

Developers are to hold further public consultation after withdrawing a seemingly doomed planning application to build homes on the site of a former Northfield golf club.

Application for 1000 homes

Bloor Homes made the application to build up to 1000 homes and a community hub on the site of the North Worcestershire Golf Club and course, with space provided for a primary school – although they did not extend to providing the actual school.

After several years of rumours, the committee of the North Worcestershire Golf Club in Hanging Lane declared it had become financially unviable in 2014. Club Chairman Roger Adams said: “To put it starkly, the club is simply unsustainable and we have no option but to sell.”

A sale was agreed with Bloor Homes, on the condition that planning approval could be obtained and after years of uncertainty, the club closed its doors after over one hundred years last March.

Eleventh hour withdrawal

The application – which was submitted after a prolonged period of consultation which saw the submission of a petition and a public protest – looked set to be met with refusal when it was withdrawn on Tuesday, just two days before council planners were make a decision.

In his final report to the planning committee, planning officer Ben Plenty had suggested that the application should be rejected on several grounds.

Not part of city development plans

The site was disregarded as a potential development site in 2012. Further, on approving the city council’s proposed Birmingham Development Plan last year, the government’s Chief Planning Inspector agreed that development of the space was unjustified and should not be considered.

Concerns have also been expressed about the effects of such a large scale development on the wildlife, ecology and geology of the site, along with the strain on local infrastructure.

There was also some doubt as to whether developers were fully meeting compensatory measures regarding demand for school places and the loss of a sporting facility.

Developers consult for new proposal

Despite this, Bloor Homes have continued to push forward with their proposals and have stated that they will resubmit new plans after a further period of public consultation.

A spokesman for Bloor Homes said: “Bloor Homes are committed to the delivery of much needed housing within the City boundary. We have taken the decision to withdraw the current application and will shortly submit a new application which addresses the concerns raised by the City Council officers.”

However, Longbridge Ward Councillor Cllr Andy Cartwright (Labour) said: “We are saying no to any housing on the site due to what has already been planned and built by St Modwens and Kier plus other house builders locally. This was never in the Longbridge Area Action Plan and it has been confirmed that this would cause chaos and mayhem.

“Our community would not take this infrastructure the planning of the roads and impact on the direct houses would be dire. Longbridge is having its fair share of new homes. There is no infrastructure for schools or medical support and the list goes on” he added.

Independent Longbridge Councillor Ian Cruise said: “Whilst I am pleased Bloor Homes have withdrawn the Planning Application[…] I’m at a loss why Bloor Homes are still pursuing this site for development as it does not figure in the Birmingham Development Plan approved by the Inspector and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

“Disingenuous”

Cllr Cruise has appealed to Bloor Homes to ‘refrain from consulting’ further. He said: “It is disingenuous and wrong to persistently bombard the residents in the local area saying Bloor Homes are still going to build on the site, when it is the policy of the Council to reject any planning application on the grounds mentioned above. Bloor Homes must refrain from consulting on a development that is not going to happen as they can be assured I will continue to oppose any application they submit”.

“Reconsider”

And Cllr Cartwright has appealed to shareholders in the golf club to consider alternatives to the sale to Bloor Homes. He said: “I really would like to ask the owners of the club to reconsider and think of the impact on local people if they sell to Bloor. I hope they can step back and now look at other options and potential buyers.”

From West Midlands Police: 

Police are investigating a robbery after a 44-year-old woman had her Silver Ford Focus stolen on Featherstone Road in [Kings Heath] on Thursday 2 March at around 2pm.

The woman was sitting in her car having lunch when she was approached by four men who pulled her out and drove off in her car.

Officers were immediately dispatched.

The investigation team are currently conducting CCTV enquires. Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 101 quoting reference 20BW/44142W/17.

A total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with similar offences in the area since December 2016.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

A second teenager, aged 15, has been charged with robbery and possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas.

Both have been remanded in prison awaiting trial.

The remaining eight youths and one adult are currently on bail with strict conditions while enquires continue.

Local neighbourhood officers will continue with increased patrols in the area and the community are advised to remain vigilant and report anything they believe to be suspicious.

Anyone with information should call West Midlands Police on 101 or alternatively ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Please be on the lookout for a silver Ford Focus, registration KM64 OLW in the South Birmingham area

West Midlands Police are appealing for help to identify a man from CCTV images, following an incident in Northfield in January.

A woman, 27, was walking down Station Road at around 6.40pm on Friday 6th January.

The man exposed himself in front of her before lunging towards her. The woman kicked out at him but he hit her in the face before running off.

If you have any information at all or think you recognise the man, please contact Detective Constable Jas Mandair at Perry Barr police station on 101 quoting crime number 20BW/4101V/17.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Cllr Andy Cartwright is petitioning against the development of North Worcestershire Golf Club in Northfield for housing.

If you agree, you can sign the petition below.

Bloor Homes withdrew a planning application for a development including 1000 homes last week. The developers will be submitting new plans – which they claim address the issues raised by council officers – for approval soon.

Consultation: Bloor will be presenting new proposals at a public consultation event at the Hollymoor Centre on Thursday 16th March between 1-7.30pm where you can view the new plans and submit your views – positive or negative – on the development.

Image: Residents’ protest last year | Cllr Andy Cartwright

[contact-form-7]

There are  signatures on this petition.

Signatories:

A group of travellers is setting up on vacant land in Stirchley – behind a Birmingham City Council office building.

Travellers have gained access to land awaiting development which sits behind Lifford House.

The travellers entered via the car park of Lifford House, on Fordhouse Lane, which is home to Children’s and Adults Social Services in South Birmingham.

It is believed the group have moved onto the land, after being evicted from land awaiting development in the Green Lane area of Kings Norton earlier today.

more were arriving at the time of writing.

Fire crews were called to tackle a fire in a derelict factory building in Longbridge this afternoon (Thursday 9th March).

The fire broke out in the roof of a building – part of the former MG Rover factory in Lowhill Lane – awaiting demolition.

Fifteen firefighters from Northfield and Kings Norton were called to the scene at around 12.30pm.

Photo: @NorthfieldFire | West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Police are searching for a man who stole money in a raid on Northfield Post Office yesterday afternoon (Saturday 11th March).

The masked man entered the high street Post Office branch, in Bristol Road South, at around 1pm.

Although no gun was seen, the man carried a long object in a bin liner and pointed it at staff who handed over a quantity of cash.

Witnesses describe the man as:

• Black
• Caribbean accent
• 6 ft tall
• Medium build
• Wearing dark clothing

The scene has been examined by forensic investigators, witness statements have been taken and CCTV and dash cam footage has been secured for examination.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information which could help detectives, is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Google Street View – Northfield Post Office:

Two Kings Norton men went above and beyond in a dramatic rescue of a cat from a tree yesterday (Saturday 11th March). 

8 days missing

The cat, Smokey, had been reported missing to us at B31 Voices on March 6th, his owner Kerri having not seen him since the 3rd at his home in Ridgemount Drive, Kings Norton.

Spotted in tree

However, yesterday, Pete Cook spotted a cat very high up a tree in nearby Lichen Gardens while he was out walking his dog. Not sure what to do, he sent a picture of the cat to friend Gemma Sidnell who posted it to the Kings Heath Cat Club Facebook group to ask members for help and advice.

Adam Chambers, a KHCC member who lives nearby, spotted her post and went out to investigate. He found the cat… and Pete.

Daring rescue plan

Between them, Pete and Adam inspected the tree – which, to complicate matters further, had a brook at its base – and they came up with the slightly dangerous idea of sending Pete up a triple extended ladder, secured by Adam, to rescue the cat.

Just out of reach…

However, once Pete got to the top, he realised he still couldn’t reach the cat! After descending and popping home for a saw, he climbed back up to the top of ladder and sawed at the branch so the cat came within his reach.

Cat secured, Pete headed down the ladder – a journey little Smokey wasn’t too happy about, hissing and scratching at him all the way!

But as Adam clung to the base of the ladder, Pete persevered and clung to Smokey, managing to bring him to safety and grab a few photos before finally putting him down.

Rescued then ran!

As soon as he was down, Smokey bolted and Adam and Pete and his partner Janet continued to look for him, concerned as to whether he had managed to get home or not.

Luckily Pete’s dog walker, Lisa Murray-Lang of From Wags to Whiskers, contacted us to see if we could post about the rescue and find out if the cat had gone home safely.

We immediately contacted Smokey’s owner to check if he was home and, sure enough, he had returned home not long after the rescue, after 8 days missing!

Lots of cuddles

Smokey’s owner Kerri said: “I can’t believe how much trouble the rescuers went to get him, you really are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to go to such lengths – can’t have been an easy task – to rescue him. Not many people would have done what you did, I am truly very grateful.”

Smokey seems to be glad to be home, giving his humans lots of cuddles. Kerri said: “Since Smokey has been home he has been having lots of cuddles, I think he has missed us as much as we missed him.”

Welcome home, Smokey!

And a massive well done to everyone involved, especially local feline superheroes Adam ‘Catman’ Chambers and Pete ‘Spiderman’ Cook! 

*This post contains images of injuries

West Midlands Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted by thieves who made off with his car in Kings Norton last week.

The incident happened just before 10pm on Tuesday 7th March.

As the victim pulled up outside flats in Arnold Grove a man knocked on his window and opened the car door.

The driver was set upon and badly beaten by what he believes to be three black man who were armed with a metal bar. 

The thieves made off with his car, a black Seat Ibiza, and the victim had to attend A&E with head and facial injuries after the attack.

The victim is recovering from his injuries but has allowed the release of images of the wounds in the hope that someone will come forward with information.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery – or who has any information which could help detectives identify the offenders – is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

A young woman was forced from her car by thieves yesterday evening (Sunday 12th March) in the Shenley area.

The woman’s silver Fiat 500 was surrounded and blocked by three men wearing balaclavas as she travelled in Shenley Fields Road, Selly Oak, at around 7pm.

The men smashed the driver’s side window and dragged the 21 year old out of the Fiat by force before driving off, leaving her with bruised arms and a cut and swollen hand.

Later in the evening, at 9.40pm, police were called to an address in Borrowdale Road, Northfield after reports of shots being fired at a house.

This morning, a West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “… a window sill was damaged potentially from shots being fired at the address. No-one was injured.”

Officers are examining CCTV evidence after reports that a small silver coloured car was seen leaving the area immediately afterwards.

Although no connection to the two separate offences has been confirmed at this stage of the investigation, the spokeswoman said: “Enquiries are continuing into both offences and officers are currently looking to see if there are any links.”

If you have seen the stolen car or have any information that may help police investigating either incident, please call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Three armed robbery suspects were arrested in Northfield in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 14th March).

Earlier in previous evening, men armed with an axe had attempted to raid two stores in Sutton Coldfield. In both cases, staff were grabbed & threatened but the would-be thieves fled empty handed.

A West Midlands Police firearms unit spotted the suspected getaway car – a Ford KA – in Fourlands Road at around 1am.

Police intercepted the car and three Birmingham men, aged 23, 26 and 37, were arrested.

The men will also be questioned about another shop robbery – in Ward End on Saturday morning – where a man armed with a knife made off with till contents.

West Midlands Police Detective Sergeant Phil Poole, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured in the attacks but staff members were understandably shaken up at being threatened with a weapon.

“All three men are currently being held in police custody for questioning. If anyone witnessed the robberies, or has any information on who may be responsible, I’d urge them to call my team at Stechford police station as soon as possible on the 101 number.”

If you have any information, please contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

A police inspector has praised the staff of a Northfield bank for their calm and measured actions during an incident where a 60 year old local man held a female member of staff hostage at gunpoint. 

Police were called just before 11.45am to reports that a man was holding a female member of staff of the Bristol Road South Natwest branch hostage in an interview room.

No-one was injured and no threats or demands for money were made but the man produced a firearm from a bag.

Northfield high street was closed off by West Midlands Police and armed officers contained the area around the bank.

The man, a customer at the branch, left the bank and surrendered himself to police at around 12.50pm.

He has been taken to hospital for an assessment but is expected to later be questioned on suspicion of firearms offences.

West Midlands Police Force Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Shaun Phillips, said: “Officers quickly surrounded the bank, set-up a street cordon and established phone contact with some staff members who were hiding in a back room.

“It’s understood the man was with one female staff member, while other staff were lying low in another back room. No customers were caught up in the incident and no-one was hurt.

Although the motive for the incident is not yet clear, CI Phillips stressed that at this point it did not appear that it was a robbery attempt.

“Staff did exactly the right thing in remaining calm and I’d like to praise their actions in what was undoubtedly a scary situation. Thankfully we managed to … bring it to an end very quickly.”

Well done to all the staff at Natwest Northfield and we hope they get any support they need after their ordeal.

A massive thank you to West Midlands Police for their safe, swift and professional handling of the incident. 

Thank you to @WMPolice, @firearmsWMP & @BSresponse.
Superb & swift response. You do an amazing job day-in, day-out & I’m v grateful for you https://t.co/QMKwlvnXWu

— Dave Tubby (@revdavetubby) March 17, 2017

West Midlands Police are investigating reports that a teenage boy was injured when two men tried to steal his mobile phone and cash in Northfield on Wednesday (15th March).

The 14 year old was chased by two men – thought to be in their late teens – into Kingshurst Road some time between 6.15 and 6.45pm.

The men demanded the lad’s cash and mobile phone. When he resisted, he was pushed to the ground and assaulted, leaving him with facial injuries.

The men made off empty handed.

Readers have reported several other crimes in Northfield town centre this week:

• on Monday 2 teens had trainers and cash stolen outside JD Sports
• on Wednesday a 14 year old lad and his dad were threatened by thieves who had stolen his bike earlier
• 3 older teens stole 2 bikes from a 13 year old boy in Church Road yesterday afternoon.

Anyone with any information on any of these crimes is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 – for the Kingshurst Road incident quote reference 20BW/54799F/17. 

Alternatively, if you have information on this or any other crime and do not wish to give your details, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org